Let Us Do It

Level 1

E, a verb and kāua or kākou means “let us”.

How It Works

To ask others to join you, use e, the verb and a pronoun that includes the listener:

PronounWhoExample
kāuayou and IE kuke kāua.
kākouall of usE holo kākou.

Mākou and māua leave the listener out, so they do not suggest an invitation. The Reference Grammar also shows the polite marker ō for “let us”, which you may hear.

Examples (5)

  1. E kuke kāua i ka ʻuala.

    Let us cook the sweet potato.

    Kāua is you and I.

  2. E holo kākou!

    Let us run!

    Kākou is three or more, including you.

  3. E inu kāua i ke kope.

    Let us drink coffee.

    The object takes i.

  4. E heluhelu kākou.

    Let us read.

    Kākou follows the verb.

  5. E hīmeni kākou!

    Let us sing!

    Same pattern.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Let Us Do ItLevel 1

Learn This First

An invitation uses e and the pronouns that mean “we”.

Words in This Pattern

ekāuakākou